The Red Devils have been locked in negotiations for 19-year-old Lucas for the last two weeks, but are now ready for a final round of make or break talks in a bid to resolve the deadlocked situation.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is desperate to land the all action midfielder – rated as one of the biggest talents in South America – but is refusing to match Sao Paulo’s £30 million price tag.

Ferguson has already failed with an opening £20 million bid, after sending chief scout Jim Lawlor and club secretary John Alexander out to Brazil to broker a deal, and now wants a decision on whether the player will move to Old Trafford by the end of next week.

United are already having their patience stretched by Lucas’ refusal to hold talks during the Olympics, a statement he reiterated on Friday morning.

‘I am focusing on my team, Sao Paulo and in Brazil’s national team at the moment. I’ll decide my future after the Olympics.’

It’s a statement that will do little to appease Ferguson, who wants Lucas to help force a lower price by demanding an exit, in return for a double-your-money four-year contract.

United, who are also interested in Arsenal captain Robin van Persie and Everton full-back Leighton Baines, are due to speak to Sao Paulo again over the weekend, before lodging their final offer, expected to be £27 million plus substantial add ons.

Out-of-favour midfielder Anderson could also go the other way on loan as part of the deal, but Sao Paulo are yet to express an interest.